Virtue and Vice Lists in the Bible
by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Christian morality is not only based foundationally on the Ten Commandments (see Exod 20 & Deut 5), but also focuses traditionally on what are called the seven "Capital Sins" or "Deadly Sins," often pairing and contrasting these with seven "Principal Virtues":

Capital/Deadly Sins: pride/arrogance
superbia
avarice/greed
avaritia
envy/jealousy
invidia
wrath/anger
ira
lust/impurity
luxuria
gluttony/voracity
gula
sloth/laziness
acedia
Principal Virtues: humility/modesty
humilitas
generosity/charity
liberalitas
kindness/gratitude
humanitas
patience/compassion
patientia
chastity/purity
castitas
temperance/moderation
temperantia
diligence/fervor
industria

The "capital sins" (or at least the idea of listing seven major vices) are based in part on a passage from the Book of Proverbs of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament: "There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family" (Prov 6:16-19).

The main virtues discussed in Christian moral theology are often listed differently, not in direct contrast to the seven "deadly sins," but rather as a combination of the three "Theological Virtues" (faith, hope, and love; as discussed by St. Paul in 1 Cor 13) and the four "Cardinal Virtues" (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance; as developed by various Church fathers and theologians). These virtues are discussed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Articles 1805-1845, while the "capital sins" are listed in Article 1866. Moreover, the Septuagint and Vulgate version of Isaiah 11:1-3 lists seven items that are traditionally called the "gifts of the Spirit": wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord" (see CCC, Article 1831).

The Hebrew Bible contains very few extended lists of virtues and/or vices, aside from the Ten Commandments and related passages, probably since the ethical discussion of virtues and vices did not become popular until the Hellenistic period (3rd century BCE and later). In contrast, many New Testament writings contain short lists or more extended discussions of vices and/or virtues, habitual actions and ethical attitudes to be avoided and/or practiced, respectively. One of the most familiar short virtue lists is what Paul himself calls the "fruits of the Spirit," which include "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Gal 5:22-23; the Vulgate translation also includes goodness, modesty, and chastity, for a total of twelve).

It is important not to take any such texts out of context, but to read and understand them within the historical and literary contexts of the biblical books in which they are found. Thus, I encourage you to study the following passages in your own Bibles, reading and considering the literary contexts even more broadly than are provided here.

Passages mentioning Virtues and Vices in the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament:

Ethical Discussions in the NT, many with contrasting Virtues and Vices:

Some other Virtue Lists and related texts in the NT:

Some other Vice Lists and Related Passages in the NT:

 


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